Strap-Based Exercise System

ABSTRACT

The invention is a strap-based suspension exercise system that includes a main strap that is attached to a fixed or stationary object to anchor the exercise system and exercise straps that are used to perform a variety of exercises. Different main straps are provided that enable anchoring the exercise system virtually anywhere. The exercise straps, which may be inelastic or elastic are attached to the main strap using a uniquely designed buckle and include a safety strap. Various optional equipment, such as a foot hammock, a wrist or foot strap, additional handles, exercise straps with gym rings, and a vest worn by the user are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention, including its various embodiments, relates to an exercisesystem. In particular, the invention, including its various embodiments,relates to a suspension exercise system that can be anchored to astationary body and includes a pair of exercise straps and otheroptional attachments that are used by a person to exercise.

Description of Related Art

Personal exercise equipment for use in resistance training is abundant.For example, strap-based systems exist that allow a user to exercise.However, improvements in the design and quality of such systems is stillneeded. For example, such strap systems need to provide a mechanism toallow for the system to be properly anchored during use. Additionally,such strap systems need to provide a robust mechanism for attachment ofthe straps that also makes attachment and detachment of the strapsconvenient. Further, the designs of the straps themselves need toprovide straps that can be easily and safely used. For example, thedesign should provide for length adjustment and safety in the event offailure of any mechanism used for the length adjustment. The designshould also minimize or avoid uncontrolled bouncing or unsafe contact ofthe straps with a user. Further still, such strap systems should bedesign to accommodate a variety of optional attachments that can be usedfor various and different types of exercise. Therefore, there is a needfor a strap-based personal exercise system having a design and variousfeatures to provide for the above needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention is directed to a strap-basedsuspension exercise system having multiple components. The exercisesystem provides components for anchoring the system to a fixed orstationary object and exercise straps that are held by a user to performa variety of exercises, along with a variety of optional components forperforming additional exercises. The exercise system has differentexercise straps and multiple optional components that when attachedprovide the ability to conduct various other exercises. Accordingly, theexercise system provides a robust strap-based exercise system that canbe used virtually anywhere for perform a wide variety of exercises.

Generally, the exercise system includes a main strap that is attached toa fixed or stationary object to anchor the exercise system for use. Themain strap can take a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the mainstrap is attached at one end to a fixed or stationary object, such as adoor, and at an opposite end to a buckle that conveniently allows forthe reversible attachment of various exercise straps and other optionalequipment. In another embodiment, one end of the main strap is connectedto a location along the main strap, thereby forming a loop that isplaced around a fixed or stationary object to anchor the system. Theexercise system also includes an anchor that can be attached to a fixedor stationary object and used in conjunction with the main strap.

The exercise straps are attached to the main strap at one end and areengaged or held by a user at an opposite end for performing a variety ofexercises. The exercise straps can be inelastic or elastic straps. Theinelastic straps, which are adjustable in length, allow a user toexercise by moving the user's body essentially against a fixed strapthereby using the user's body's own resistance, whereas the elasticstrap allows a user to pull on the resistance provided by the elasticstrap itself. The elastic straps also provide loops for connection ofoptional equipment, such as different shaped handles, to the elasticstraps themselves. Exercise straps containing gym rings instead ofhandles are also part of the exercise system and provide for yetadditional types of exercises. A protective sleeve having a soft surfacecan be attached to various portions of the exercise straps to minimizeirritation to a user's skin caused by any contact between the user'sskin and that portion of the exercise strap during use or exercise.

The exercise system provides various optional equipment that can beattached to the exercise system for performing a variety of otherexercises. For example, a strap that provides a hammock for a user'sfoot can be attached to the end of the inelastic exercise strap forreceipt of the user's foot to perform exercises using the foot. In someembodiments, this strap makes use of the existing handle on theinelastic exercise strap to support the user's foot, such as the bottomarch of the user's foot. A wrist strap, which may also be used as a footstrap, can be attached to the elastic exercise straps to allow exerciseusing a user's wrist or foot. A vest is also provided that can be wornby a user and attached to the elastic exercise straps at various pointson the vest.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an exercise system including amain strap having a length, a first end configured for attachment to astationary object, and an opposite second end configured to attachmentto a first location along the length of the first strap, thereby forminga loop upon attachment to the first location; a buckle attached to theloop of the main strap and defining two separate openings; a pair ofexercise straps, each having a first end configured for attachment toone of the two separate openings of the buckle and a second end oppositethe first end; and a pair of handles, each attached to one of the secondends of the exercise straps.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an exercise systemincluding a main strap having a length and a first end configured forattachment to a first location along the length of the first strap,thereby forming a loop sufficient to encompass a stationary object uponattachment to the first location, and a second end opposite the firstend; a buckle attached to the second end of the main strap and havingtwo separate openings; a pair of exercise straps, each having a firstend configured for attachment to one of the two separate openings of thebuckle and a second end opposite the first end; and a pair of handles,each attached to one of the second ends of the exercise straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise system according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main strap of the exercise systemaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the main strap of the exercisesystem of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device for securing the main strapof FIG. 2 to a stationary object according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 4 according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 2 taken alongline A-A of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates the placement of the device for securing the mainstrap of FIG. 2 to a door and door frame when the door is in an openposition according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates the placement of the device for securing the mainstrap of FIG. 2 to a door and door frame when the door is in an openposition according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of placement of the device for securingthe main strap of FIG. 2 to a door and door frame when the door is in aclosed position and a person is using the exercise system according toone embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another main strap of the exercisesystem according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the main strap of FIG. 10attached to a stationary object according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12A is a top view of an anchor for the main strap of the exercisesystem of FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the anchor of FIG. 11A according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the main buckle of FIG. 1 according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the main buckle of FIG. 13according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional top view of the main buckle of FIG. 13according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional top view of the main buckle of FIG.13 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the main buckle of FIG. 13 according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pair of exercise straps according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the exercise strap buckle used withthe exercise straps of FIG. 18 according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the exercise strap buckle attached tothe exercise straps according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the portionof the exercise strap of FIG. 19B according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the exercise straps of FIG. 18 inconjunction with an additional foot hammock according to one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a pair of exercise straps according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of one end of the exercise straps of FIG.21 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the end of the exercise strap of FIG.22 illustrating the connection between the exercise strap and aconnector for connecting to the main buckle according to one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one end of the exercise straps of FIG.21 according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a connector used to connect a handleto the exercise strap of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 24B is another perspective view of the connector of FIG. 24A usedto connect a handle to the exercise strap of FIG. 21 according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24C is a perspective view of a handle adjuster for use with theelastic exercise straps of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a pair of handles that can be used withthe elastic exercise straps of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a person using the exercise system with theelastic exercise straps of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another pair of exercise straps withexercise rings for use with the exercise system according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28A is a top view of a protective sleeve for use with the exercisedevice of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28B is a top perspective view of the protective sleeve of FIG. 28Adisposed about an exercise strap according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 29A is a top view of a wrist strap for use with the exercise deviceof FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29B is a perspective view of the wrist strap of FIG. 29A in aclosed position according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30A is a perspective front view of a vest for use with the exercisesystem of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 30B is a perspective rear view of the vest of FIG. 30A for use withthe exercise system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is more fully described below with reference tothe accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be describedin conjunction with particular embodiments, such should be viewed asexamples and should not be viewed as limiting or as setting forth theonly embodiments of the invention. Rather, the present inventionincludes various embodiments or forms and various related aspects orfeatures and uses, as well as alternatives, modifications, andequivalents within the spirit and scope of the invention and the claims.Further, the use of the terms “invention,” “present invention,”“embodiment,” and similar terms throughout this description are usedbroadly and are not intended to mean that the invention requires, or islimited to, any particular embodiment or aspect being described or thatsuch description is the only manner in which the invention may be madeor used.

In general, the present invention is directed to a strap-basedsuspension exercise system having multiple components. The exercisesystem provides components for anchoring the system to a fixed orstationary object and exercise straps that are held by a user to performa variety of exercises along with a variety of optional components forperforming additional exercises. The system has different exercisestraps and multiple optional components that when attached provide theability to conduct various other exercises. Accordingly, the exercisesystem provides a robust strap-based exercise system that can be usedvirtually anywhere for perform a wide variety of exercises.

Generally, the exercise system includes a main strap that is attached toa fixed or stationary object to anchor the exercise system for use. Themain strap can take a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the mainstrap is attached at one end to a fixed or stationary object, such as adoor, and at an opposite end to a buckle that conveniently allows forthe reversible attachment of various exercise straps and other optionalequipment. In another embodiment, one end of the main strap is connectedto a location along the main strap, thereby forming a loop that isplaced around a fixed or stationary object to anchor the system. Theexercise system also includes an anchor that can be attached to a fixedor stationary object and used in conjunction with the main strap.

The exercise straps are attached to the main strap at one end and areengaged or held by a user at an opposite end for performing a variety ofexercises. The exercise straps can be inelastic or elastic straps. Theinelastic straps, which are adjustable in length, allow a user toexercise by moving the user's body essentially against a fixed strapthereby using the user's body's own resistance, whereas the elasticstrap allows a user to pull on the resistance provided by the elasticstrap itself. The elastic straps also provide loops for connection ofoptional equipment, such as different shaped handles, to the elasticstraps themselves. Exercise straps containing gym rings instead ofhandles are also part of the exercise system and provide for yetadditional types of exercises. A protective sleeve having a soft surfacecan be attached to various portions of the exercise straps to minimizeirritation to a user's skin caused by any contact between the user'sskin and that portion of the exercise strap during use or exercise.

The exercise system provides various optional equipment that can beattached to the exercise system for performing a variety of otherexercises. For example, a strap that provides a hammock for a user'sfoot can be attached to the end of the inelastic exercise strap forreceipt of the user's foot to perform exercises using the foot. In someembodiments, this strap makes use of the existing handle on theinelastic exercise strap to support the user's foot, such as the bottomarch of the user's foot. A wrist strap, which may also be used as a footstrap, can be attached to the elastic exercise straps to allow exerciseusing a user's wrist or foot. A vest is also provided that can be wornby a user and attached to the elastic exercise straps at various pointson the vest.

Following is a description of the various components of the exercisesystem in conjunction with the various figures. As noted, it should beappreciated that the following description is intended to illustrate thevarious components of the exercise system and is not intended to belimited to any particular design or detail. Accordingly, the inventionis intended to encompass variations in the design of the components ofthe exercise system as described herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise system according to oneembodiment of the invention. The exercise system 100 is a strap-basedexercise system that provides a main strap 102 for attachment to astationary object and for attachment to various exercise straps 104 andother attachments that are engaged by a user during exercise. The mainstrap 102 is used to anchor the system to a stationary or fixed objectthat will support whatever force is exerted by a user on the systemthrough the use of the exercise straps 104 or other attachments. Themain strap 102 is attached to the exercise straps 104 through the use ofa main buckle 106. Each of these components of the exercise system 100are described in more detail following.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main strap of the exercise systemaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The main strap 102 is aninelastic strap that can be made from any material sufficient towithstand the force to which it will be subjected during use. In oneembodiment, the main strap 102 is made from an inelastic nylon material.It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the main strap 102 is asingle length of strap folded on top of itself to form a top strapportion 202 and a bottom strap portion 204. In this configuration, thetwo ends of the main strap 102 are connected where they overlap eachother. In one embodiment, the location 206 at which the two ends overlapis stitched in a manner to secure the ends together and sufficient towithstand any force applied to the main strap 102 that would otherwisecause the two ends to separate. It should be appreciated, however, thateach end may also be separately folded back onto the strap and attachedat a point along the strap separate from the attachment of the other endin a similar manner. By virtue of the strap being folded on top ofitself, at each end 208, 210 of the main strap 102, loops 212, 214 areformed. In addition, stitching 218 at various points along the length ofthe main strap 102 may be used to both secure the top strap portion 202and the bottom strap portion 204 to each other and to form additionalloops 220 along the length of the bottom strap portion 204 of the mainstrap 102 by allowing for a longer length of the bottom strap portion204 per length of the top strap portion 202. It should be appreciatedthat the overall length of the main strap 102 can be made to any lengthand that the number of stitchings 218 and, accordingly, the number ofloops 220 along the bottom side portion 204, can also be varied.

Various components are attached to the main strap 102. The main buckle106 is attached to the main strap 102 such that it is configured tofreely slide along the length of the main strap 102. This main buckle106 is used to connect the exercise straps that are engaged by the userduring exercise and is described in more detail below. A carabiner 224or similar device is connected through one loop 212 at one end 208 ofthe main strap 102. This carabiner 224 is discussed further below inconnection with FIG. 3. A device 226 or anchor for engaging a stationaryobject, such as a closed door, and for securing the main strap 102 tothe stationary object, thereby preventing the main strap 102 from beingpulled away from the stationary object, is attached to the loop 214 atthe other end 210 of the main strap 102. This anchor 226 is alsodiscussed further below.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the main strap of the exercisesystem of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the invention. Thecarabiner 224 connected at one end 208 of the main strap 102 is used tosecure that end 208 of the main strap 102 to one of the loops 220 alongthe bottom side portion 204 of the main strap 102. By securing the end208 of the main strap 102 to one of the loops 220 along the bottom sideportion 204 of the main strap 102, the main strap 102 forms a loop. Themain buckle 106 now can freely slide along this loop formed by theattachment of the end 208 of the main strap 102 to one of the loops 220along the bottom side portion 204 of the main strap 102. However, itshould be appreciated that the main buckle 106 is now secured to themain strap 102 and can be pulled in a direction away from the anchor 226for engaging a stationary object or the opposite end 210 of the mainstrap 102 without being disconnected from the main strap 102. In otherwords, by securing the end 208 of the main strap 102 to one of the loops220 along the bottom side portion 204 of the main strap 102, the mainbuckle 106 is now secured to the main strap 102. Once the anchor 226 forengaging a stationary object is secured to the stationary object, themain strap 102 and, axiomatically, the main buckle 106, are also securedto the stationary object. Accordingly, as described further below,attachment of the straps engaged by the user to this main buckle 106effectively secures these straps to the stationary object as well toallow the user to exercise.

It should be appreciated that the end 208 of the main strap 102 can besecured to any one of the loops 220 along the bottom side portion 204 ofthe main strap using the carabiner 224. The selection of which loop 220to use is dependent upon the desired length of the main strap 102 duringuse. For example, if the main strap 102 is secured to a stationaryobject that is relatively high, then one of the loops 220 locatedfurther from the anchor 226 for engaging a stationary object may beused. In this way, the distance from the anchor 226 to the main buckle106 would be greater to allow for the straps to be engaged by the userat a distance further from the stationary object. Conversely, if arelatively shorter main strap 102 were desirable, the loop 220 closer tothe anchor 226 for engaging a stationary object may be used, therebyproviding a relatively shorter main strap 102 during use. It should alsobe appreciated that while a carabiner 224 is shown, any device thatallows for the connection of the end 208 of the main strap 102 to one ofthe loops 220 along the bottom side portion 204 of the main strap 102may be used. In some embodiments, this device provides the ability toeasily connect and disconnect the end 208 of the main strap 102 to andfrom one of the loops 220 along the bottom side portion 204 of the mainstrap 102. In some embodiments, this device provides sufficient strengthto avoid the end 208 of the main strap 102 disconnecting from a givenloop 220 along the bottom side portion 204 of the main strap 102,particularly during use of the exercise system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device for securing the main strapof FIG. 2 to a stationary object according to one embodiment of theinvention. The anchor 226, which is attached to one end 210 of the mainstrap 102 (see FIG. 2), is used to secure the main strap 102 to astationary object, such as a door, as described further below. Theanchor 226 includes a shaft body 402 with two bodies 404, one attachedto each end of the shaft body 402. The shaft body 402 is a cylindricalbody that is attached at opposite ends to one of the two bodies 404,which are also cylindrical shaped bodies. In one embodiment, thecylindrical shaped bodies 404 attached to each end of the shaft body 402have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the cylindricalshaft body 402 and a length along the cylinder that is smaller than thelength of the cylindrical shaft body 402. A non-slip circular pad 406 isdisposed on the surface of each of the bodies 404 and, in someembodiments, is disposed around the entire perimeter of the body 404 butmay not be disposed along the entire cylinder length of the body 404. Itshould be appreciated that the thickness of the non-slip pads 406 issufficient to extend the outside surface of the non-slip pad 406 abovethe surface of the bodies 404. It should be appreciated that thenon-slip pads 406 may be used to minimize or prevent the anchor 226 frommoving during use along the surface to which it is adjacent, such as adoor or door frame. In some embodiments, however, the non-slip pads 406may be designed to avoid any contact between the exercise system and thestationary object to which the anchor 226 is placed against. In otherwords, the non-slip pads 406 may be used to avoid scratching or marringthe stationary object, such as the door or door frame.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 4 according to oneembodiment of the invention. As shown, the shaft body 402 of the anchor226 is threaded at each end 502, 504. Accordingly, each body 404 that isattached to each end of the shaft body 402 has a corresponding femalethread 506, 508 to facilitate screwing each body 404 onto each of theends of the shaft body 402. It should be appreciated that the ability toremove one of the bodies 404 from the end of the shaft body 402 permitsthe anchor 226 to be attached and removed from the end 201 of the mainstrap 102. In other words, by removing one of the bodies 404 from theend of the shaft body 402, the shaft may be inserted through the loop214 at the end 210 of the main strap 102 (see FIG. 2) and thereafterthat body 404 may be secured to its respective end of the shaft body402. It should be appreciated that the bodies 404 attached to each endof the shaft body 402 are similar in size and weight to each other andin some embodiments are identical in size and weight. In someembodiments, bodies 404 are generally right cylindrical bodies (althoughthe ends or edges of the cylinders may be rounded) having a center axiscollinear with that of the shaft body 402 but having a diameter that islarger than the diameter of the shaft body 402. It should further beappreciated that the overall size of the bodies 404 at the ends of theshaft body 402 are sized to prevent the loop 214 of the main strap 102from passing over the bodies 404. Due to the larger size of the bodies404, the main strap 102 would be secured between these two bodies 404.Alternatively, the size of the loop 214 can be made small enoughrelative to the size of the bodies 404 to accomplish the same result. Itshould also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the shaft body 402and the bodies 404 attached to each end of the shaft body 402 are madeof a metal having a density that provides significant weight to theoverall anchor 226 to add to its stability to function during use. Itshould also be appreciated that the length of the shaft body 402 shouldbe sufficient to secure each of the bodies 404 attached to its ends andhaving a sufficient length exposed between the bodies 404 to accommodatethe width of the main strap 102. In some embodiments, the length exposedbetween the bodies 404 is approximately the same or only slightlygreater than the width of the main strap 102 to minimize the main strap102 from sliding along the shaft body 402 or between the bodies 404.

It should be appreciated that the shaft body 402 may be a solid shaft orrod and can be made of any suitable material including any suitablemetal. Similarly, the bodies 404 attached to each of the ends of theshaft body 402 may be solid and can be made of any suitable materialincluding any suitable metal, such as the same metal used for the shaftbody 402. In some embodiments, the metal may be a smoothly polishedmetal. It should be appreciated, however, that the material used toconstruct the shaft body 402 and the bodies 404 attached to each of theends of the shaft body 402 should be of sufficient strength to withholdthe force exerted on the exercise system by the user.

The non-slip pads 406 are circular bands and are secured around thebodies 404 attached to each of the ends of the shaft body 402 by the useof a friction fit within a circular groove 510 that extends around theentire perimeter or outside of each of the bodies 404. The non-slip pads406 have a diameter that when disposed within these grooves 510 providesa sufficiently tight fit around the body 404. Again, it should beappreciated that the thickness of the non-slip pads 406 is sufficient toextend the surface of the non-slip pad 406 above the surface of thebodies 404. In some embodiments, the non-slip pads 406 are made of aplastic, silicon, or rubber material; however, any material thatprovides a non-slip function when in contact with another surface, canbe used. In some embodiments, the non-slip pads may be coated with orimpregnated with a plurality of particles that would serve to preventskidding of non-slip pads when in contact with a surface. In someembodiments, the outer surfaces of the non-slip pads are provided with aplurality of bumps, depressions, stripes, wavy lines, anilox lines, orletters or numbers that are raised or depressed, or any combination ofthe foregoing, to provide a non-slip function. In some embodiments, thematerial used for the non-slip pads 406 is selected to simply provide acushion between the anchor 226 and the stationary object against whichit is resting to avoid scratching, marring, or denting the surface ofthe stationary object, such as a door or door frame.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 2 taken alongline A-A of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. Asshown, the shaft body 402 is screwed into the bodies 404 attached toeach of its ends using the threads 502/506, 504/508. It should beappreciated, however, that only one end of the shaft body 402 maycontain threads with corresponding threads on a bore of one of thebodies 404 to be attached to that end of the shaft body 402. In thisembodiment, the shaft body 402 may be integrally formed with the otherbody 404 attached to non-threaded end of the shaft body 402. Also, itshould be appreciated the ends of the bodies 404, i.e., the ends of thecylinders, may be contoured or rounded as shown.

FIG. 7 illustrates the placement of the device for securing the mainstrap of FIG. 2 to a door and door frame when the door is in an openposition according to one embodiment. In use, the exercise system 100must first be secured to a fixed or stationary object to allow a user toengage the straps and pull on them to exercise without the opposite endof the system moving. The anchor 226 for engaging a stationary object,such as a closed door, and for securing the main strap 102 to thestationary object, is what provides this secure connection. As shown,the anchor 226 at the end 210 of the main strap 102 is placed over thetop 706 of a door 702 that has been opened relative to its door frame704. The door 702 is then closed, which leaves the anchor 226 on oneside of the door 702 and the main strap 102 and remaining portions ofthe exercise system 100 on the opposite side of the door 702. Thisprevents the anchor 226 being pulled back over the top of the door 702when the main strap 102 is pulled during use (i.e., by the user pullingon the straps attached to the main strap 102) on the opposite side ofthe door 702.

FIG. 8 illustrates the placement of the device for securing the mainstrap of FIG. 2 to a door and door frame when the door is in a closedposition according to one embodiment. Once the anchor 226 has beenplaced over the top 706 of the door 702 and the door 702 has beenclosed, the anchor 226 is of sufficient size that it cannot be pulledbetween the top 706 of the door 702 and the door frame 704. As shown,only a portion of the main strap 102 passes from the anchor 226 andbetween the top 706 of the door 702 and the adjacent door frame 704 tothe other side of the door 702. Accordingly, it should be appreciatedthat the size of the anchor 226, including the shaft body 402 and thebodies 404 attached to its ends, can be adjusted in size but simply needto be of sufficient size to avoid being pulled through any opening thatexists between the top 706 of the door 702 and the adjacent door frame704.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of placement of the device for securingthe main strap of FIG. 2 to a door and door frame when the door is in aclosed position according to one embodiment. As shown, with the door 702closed, the anchor 226 is disposed on one side of the door 702 and themain strap 102, attached to the anchor 226, passes through the spacebetween the top 706 of the door 702 and the adjacent surface of the doorframe 704 to the opposite side of the door 702 where a user 902 engagesthe straps 104 attached to the main strap 102 for exercising. Is shouldbe appreciated that the non-slip pads 406 on each of the bodies 404attached to the ends of the shaft body 402 of the anchor 226 engage thesurfaces of the door 702 and door frame 704 once the main strap 102 ispulled via the user pulling on the straps 104 attached to the main strap102. This engagement between the non-slip pads 406 and the surfaces ofthe door 702 and the door frame 704 minimizes and, in some embodiments,prevents movement of the anchor 226 during use and in some embodimentsminimize or prevents scratching, marring, or denting of the surface ofthe door 702 or door frame 704. In turn, because the length of the shaftbody 402 is sized to minimize or prevent sliding of the main strap 102along the shaft body 402, as described above, the main strap 102similarly does not slide or move along the top of the door 702 during auser's exercise. Therefore, the anchor 226 provides a stationary anchorpoint for the exercise system 100 during use, which avoids the exercisesystem sliding, for example, along the top 706 of the door 702 duringuse.

It should be appreciated that the anchor 226 can be configured and sizedto accommodate its use with any fixed or stationary object that providesa similar relationship as a door to a door frame. In other words, anystationary object that permits the anchor 226 to be located on one sideand to only allow passage of a relatively thin strap (i.e., the mainstrap 102) through an opening to the other side can be used to securethe main strap 102 for use in exercising.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another main strap of the exercisesystem according to one embodiment of the invention. In those situationsin which a stationary object, such as a closed door, for which theanchor 226 for engaging a stationary object cannot be used, a differentmain strap 1002 may be used. This main strap 1002 is similar to the mainstrap 102 shown in FIG. 2 in that it is also an inelastic strap that canbe made from any material sufficient to withstand the force to which itwill be subjected during use. In one embodiment, the main strap 1002 ismade from an inelastic nylon material. It should be appreciated that inone embodiment, the main strap 1002 is a single length of strap foldedon top of itself to form a top strap portion 1004 and a bottom strapportion 1006. In this configuration, the two ends of the main strap 1002are connected where they overlap. In one embodiment, the location 1008at which the two ends overlap is stitched in a manner to secure the endstogether and sufficient to withstand any force applied to the main strap1002 that would otherwise cause separation from the main strap 1002. Itshould be appreciated, however, that each end may also be separatelyfolded back onto the strap and attached at a point along the strapseparate from the attachment of the other end in a similar manner. Byvirtue of the strap being folded on top of itself, at each end 1010,1012 of the main strap 1002, loops are formed. In addition, stitching1014 at various points along the length of the main strap 1002 may beused to both secure the top strap portion 1004 and the bottom strapportion 1006 to each other and to form additional loops 1016 along thelength of the bottom strap portion 1006 of the main strap 1002 byallowing for a longer length of the bottom strap portion 1006 per lengthof the top strap portion 1004 during manufacture. It should beappreciated that the overall length of the main strap 1002 can be madeto any length and that the number of stitchings 1014 and, accordingly,the number of loops 1016 along the bottom side portion 1006, can also bevaried.

Similar to the main strap 102 shown in FIG. 2, various components arealso attached to the main strap 1002 in this embodiment. A main buckle106 that is the same as that described in connection with FIG. 2 isattached to the main strap 1002; however, in this embodiment, the mainbuckle 106 is attached to one of the loops at the end 1012 of the mainstrap 1002. Again, this main buckle 106 is used to connect the exercisestraps that are engaged or held by the user during exercise and isdescribed in more detail below. A carabiner 224 that is the same as thatdescribed in connection with FIG. 2 or similar device is similarlyconnected to the other loop at the other end 1010 of the main strap1002.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the main strap of FIG. 10attached to a stationary object according to one embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, because a stationary object suitable forusing the anchor 226 for attaching to a stationary object such as a dooris not available, the stationary object may be a tree 1102 or any otherstationary object that allows for the main strap 1002 to be wrappedaround the object. Depending upon the circumference of the stationaryobject, such as the tree 1102, the carabiner 224 can be attached to anappropriate loop 1016 formed along the length of the main strap 1002 bythe placement of various stitchings 1014. The appropriate loop 1016 isone that once the end 1010 of the main strap 1002 is secured to a givenloop 1016 by the carabiner 224, the main strap 1002 is secured, forexample by a tight fit, around the stationary object, in this case thetree 1102. Once secured, the user can utilize the same straps 104 thatare attached to the main buckle 106 for exercising.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an anchor for the main strap of theexercise system of FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, the main strap 1002 of FIG. 10 may be secured to aseparate anchor 1200 that itself is secured to a fixed or stationaryobject, such as a wall. FIG. 12A shows a separate anchor 1200 that has atriangular base 1202 and an upper body portion 1204 that extends upwardfrom the triangular base 1202 and to which the main strap 1002 may beattached. The triangular base 1202 defines a center opening 1206 andthree openings 1208 each located at a respective corner of thetriangular base 1202. Each of the three openings 1208 are configured toreceive a screw 1210 or similar connector that can be used to secure thebase 1202 to a stationary object. In one embodiment, each of threescrews 1210 would be inserted through a respective opening 1208 at thecorners of the triangular base 1202 and screwed into the surface of astationary object, such as a wall or ceiling. The upper body portion1204 has three portions 1212 that extend in an upward fashion from eachof the corners of the triangular base 1202, respectively. The threeportions 1212 meet at a location above the plane of the triangular base1202 to form a contiguous upper surface 1214 that is positioned over thecenter opening 1206 formed by the triangular base 1202. Thisconfiguration, including the three portions 1212 that extend in anupward fashion to meet in a contiguous upper surface 1214 above thetriangular base 1202 serves to define several openings 1216 between eachadjacent pair of portions 1212 and the triangular base 1202. Theseopenings 1216 are used in securing the main strap 1002 to the anchor1200.

FIG. 12B is a top view of the anchor of FIG. 12A according to oneembodiment of the invention. As shown, this is the view that a userwould have as if the anchor 1200 were attached to a vertical wall.Accordingly, as shown, the center opening 1206 formed by the triangularbase 1202 would not be visible in this view.

In use, the main strap 1002 can be inserted through the openings 1216created between the triangular base 1202 and the upper body portion1204. In particular, the main strap 1002 would be inserted into one ofthese openings 1216 and, therefore, into the center of the anchor 1200and then passed back out through a second one of these openings 1216. Atthat point, the carabiner 224 can be attached to an appropriate loop1016 formed along the length of the main strap 1002 as described abovein connection with FIG. 11. In essence, any of the three portions 1212can serve as a structure around which the main strap 1002 can besecured. It should be appreciated that other shapes for the anchor 1200can be used and other methods can be used to secure the anchor 1200 to astationary object for use. In particular, various shapes for the basecan be used and various shapes for the upper body portion can be used,provided that the main strap 1002 can be inserted into and out of aspace created between the base and the upper body portion.

It should also be appreciated that the anchor 226, which is attached toone end 210 of the main strap 102 (see FIG. 4) could also be used inconjunction with the anchor 1200 shown in FIG. 12A. In one embodiment,one end 210 of the main strap 102 (see FIG. 3) can be fed through atleast two of the openings 1216 and attached to the anchor 226. In thismanner, when the main strap 102 is pulled, the anchor 226 would bepulled against two of the three portions 1212 that extend in an upwardfashion from each of the corners of the triangular base 1202, therebysecuring the main strap 102 against the anchor 1200. In anotherembodiment, the end 210 of the main strap 102 can be fed through atleast two of the openings 1216 and attached to the anchor 226 within orunder the upper surface 1214 that is positioned over the center opening1206. In this manner, the anchor 226 would mostly reside under thisupper surface 1214 and its ends may protrude through two of the openings1216 such that the bodies 404 are outside of portions 1212 that extendin an upward fashion. Upon use, when the main strap 102 is pulled, theanchor 226 would rest against two of these portions 1212 that extend inan upward fashion thereby securing the main strap 102 to the anchor1200.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the main buckle of FIG. 1 according toone embodiment of the invention. The main buckle 106 is used to connectthe main strap 102 to the exercise straps 104 that are engaged or heldby the user during exercise. The main buckle 106 includes a buckle body1302 that defines three openings 1304, 1306. One opening 1304 is locatedat one end 1308 of the main buckle 106 and is used to connect to themain strap 102. The other two openings 1306 are symmetrical and receiveand secure the respective ends of a pair of the exercise straps 104. Inone embodiment, these two openings 1306 are defined by the walls of thebuckle body 1302 and have latch, such as a carabiner feature, that formsan integral part of the wall of the buckle body 1302 forming theopenings 1306 and upon being opened allows access to the opening 1306for purposes of looping the respective ends of the exercise straps 104into these openings to secure the exercise straps 104 to the main buckle106.

The buckle body 1302 is a relatively flat body that has a solid Y-shapedportion 1310 in the center and an outer perimeter portion 1312 thatforms the outer perimeter of the buckle body 1302 and basicallyencircles or encompasses the Y-shaped portion 1310. The buckle body1302, including the Y-shaped portion 1310 and the outer perimeterportion 1312, basically provides walls that define the openings 1304,1306. The opening 1304 located at one end 1308 of the main buckle 106 isnotably formed by a contiguous portion of the buckle body 1302, namely acombination of the upper portion of the Y-shaped portion 1310 (i.e., the“V” shaped portion of the “Y”) and the perimeter portion 1312.Accordingly, the main strap 102 must be threaded through this opening1306. With reference to the main strap 102 as shown in FIG. 2, the mainstrap can be passed through this opening 1306 in the main buckle 106prior to connection of the main strap 102 with the anchor 226 forengaging a stationary object, such as a closed door. In other words, themain strap 102 can be passed through this opening 1306 in the mainbuckle 106 and thereafter the shaft body 402 of the anchor 226 can bepassed through the loop 214 at the end 210 of the main strap 102 (seeFIG. 2) and thereafter each body 404 (or one body 404 if the other body404 was already attached to the shaft body 402) may be secured to itsrespective end of the shaft body 402.

Opposite or below the end 1308 of the main buckle 106 to which the mainstrap 102 is attached are the two symmetrical openings 1306. Both ofthese symmetrical openings 1306 are below the opening 1306 to which themain strap 102 is attached and both are positioned beside each other oradjacent to each other. These two openings 1306 are separated by thevertical or downward portion of the Y-shaped portion 1310. Accordingly,this vertical or downward portion of the Y-shaped portion 1310 forms acommon inner wall for each of these openings 1306. The upper portion ofthe Y-shaped portion 1310 (essentially the V-shaped portion of the Y)forms an upper side for each of these openings 1306 and forms a commonwall between each of these openings 1306 and the opening 1304 to whichthe main strap 102 is attached that is above these openings 1306.

The outer wall or perimeter for these openings 1306 includes a side wallportion 1314 and a bottom wall portion 1316, which are both part of theoverall outer perimeter portion 1312. Each side wall portion 1314includes a spring-loaded gate 1318, which provides a carabiner-typefunction that allows for the connection of a respective exercise strap104 to the buckle body 1302. In one embodiment, the spring-loaded gate1318 can be opened to provide an opening in the perimeter wall of thebuckle body 1302 and access to the opening 1306 and passage of, forexample, a loop at one end of each exercise strap 104 for connection tothe buckle body 1302. Specifically, once the gate 1318 is in an openposition, a tip 1320 of the bottom wall portion 1316 will be exposed andcan be fed through the loop at the end of each exercise strap 104, afterwhich the spring-loaded gate 1318 would be returned to its originalclosed position based on its bias. The loop of the exercise strap wouldthen be held within the opening 1306, and during use in which theexercise strap 104 would be pulled away from the main buckle 106, theloop of the exercise strap would be pulled against and retained by thebottom wall portion 1316 of the buckle body 1302. Accordingly, thespring-loaded gate 1318 can be opened again to remove the loop of theexercise strap 104, thereby disconnecting the exercise strap 104 fromthe main buckle 106. It should be appreciated that by using aspring-loaded gate 1318 that is biased in the closed position, anyattached exercise strap would be unable to be unintentionally detachedfrom the buckle body 1032.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the main buckle of FIG. 13according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the main buckle106 includes the buckle body 1302, which is a solid body, and in someembodiments, it is a contiguous or single-piece body. The spring-loadedgates 1318 are positioned as, and form a part of, the side wall portions1314 that define the sides of the openings 1306 for receipt andattachment of the exercise straps 104. As shown, each spring-loaded gate1318 includes a gate 1402, a spring 1404, and a pin 1406.

The gate 1402 is configured to have a width and depth that is similar toor the same as the width and depth of the outer perimeter portion 1312so that in a closed position, the outer perimeter portion 1312 providesa consistent shape throughout its length. Each gate 1402 includes arecessed slot 1408 at one end of the gate 1402 for receipt of a limittab 1410 that is part of, or attached to, the buckle body 1302. At anopposite end of the gate 1402 a second recessed slot 1412 thataccommodates the spring 1404, which is coiled and positioned around thepin 1406 that extends vertically from the top of the gate 1402, throughthe body of the gate 1402, to a hole 1414 located on a pivoting surface1416 of the buckle body 1302. Accordingly, at this end of the gate 1402,the gate may pivot about the pin 1406 by being pushed against the spring1404 bias to rotate into the opening 1306, such that its opposite endmoves toward the vertical or downward portion of the Y-shaped portion1310. At this point, the gate 1402 would be in an open position. Withoutany push or external force applied to the gate 1402, the bias of thespring 1404 will force the gate 1402 to pivot in the opposite directionor away from the opening 1306 into a closed position. The gate 1402 willpivot in this direction until it is stopped by the limit tab 1410abutting against the back wall of the recessed slot 1408. At this point,the gate 1402 would be in a closed position and would again generallyconform to and form a part of the side wall portion 1314 of the outerperimeter portion 1312.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional top view of the main buckle of FIG. 13according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the main buckle106 is shown with the main strap 102 attached to the buckle body 1302 atthe end 1308 using the upper opening 1304 of the buckle body 1302. Alsoas shown, the gates 1402 have been pushed into a partially openposition. In other words, an external force (basically the pushing ofthe exercise straps 104 against the gate 1402 in the direction of thearrows shown) has pushed on the gate 1402 against the force of thespring 1404 such that the gate 1402 has pivoted around the axis of thepin 1406 causing the opposite end of the gate 1402 to move into theopening 1306. Accordingly, with the gate 1402 in this open position, anopening 1502 is created along the side wall portion 1314 of the outerperimeter portion 1312 of the buckle body 1302. This opening 1502permits the passage of the end of the exercise straps 104, for example,a loop at the end of the exercise straps 104, to be moved past the gate1402 and into the opening 1306 (again as shown by the direction of thearrows). Further, each exposed tip 1320 of the bottom wall portion 1316can be fed through the loop at the end of each exercise strap 104.

FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional top view of the main buckle of FIG.13 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 16 illustrates thecompleted attachment of the exercise straps 104 to the main buckle 106.As shown, the gates 1402, after having been in an open position as shownin FIG. 15, are now in a closed position and again generally conform toand form a part of the side wall portion 1314 of the outer perimeterportion 1312 of the buckle body 1302. Accordingly, it should beappreciated that after the exercise straps 104 have been looped onto thebuckle body the gates 1402 return to a closed position due to the biasof the spring 1404, thereby closing the opening provided when the gates1402 were open and preventing the exercise straps from beinginadvertently detached from the main buckle 106. Additionally, it shouldbe appreciated that during use, the exercise straps, if attached to themain buckle 106 using loops, can slide to different positions (shown bythe dashed line version of the exercise straps 104) along the side wallportion 1314 and bottom wall portion 1316 of the outer perimeter portion1312 of the buckle body 1302 (see FIG. 13) as necessary. In this case,however, the exercise straps 104 will not detach from the buckle 106since the gates 1402 are in a closed position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the main buckle of FIG. 13 according toone embodiment of the invention. As shown, the main strap 102 isattached to the buckle body 1302 at the end 1318 using the upper opening1304 of the buckle body 1302. Each of the exercise straps 104 have beenattached to the main buckle 106 via the gates 1318, which are shown in aclosed position. Accordingly, in use, when a user pulls on the exercisestraps 104 in a direction opposite to that of the main strap 102, theexercise straps 104 will generally reside against the bottom wallportion 1316 of the buckle body 1302. It should be appreciated that if,in use, the exercise straps 104 are extended in opposite directions fromeach other, the exercise straps have the ability to slide along thebottom wall portion 1316 and even over the side wall portion 1314,including the gates 1318 without risk of detaching from the main buckle106.

In general it should be appreciated that the main buckle 106 asdescribed above provides for the ability to attach the main strap 102 toeach of the two exercise straps 104 with only one device or body.Moreover, the main buckle 106, via the carabiner feature of thespring-loaded gates, provides the ability to easily and securely attachthe two exercise straps 104. Further, the main buckle 106, via thecarabiner feature of the spring-loaded gates, provides the ability toeasily attach and detach the two exercise straps 104 without having todetach the main strap 102 from any stationary object to which it isattached. This allows for the ability to attach other types of exerciseequipment to the main buckle 106 with relative ease. While the mainbuckle 106 may be constructed from any material, such should be suitableto withstand the forces to which it will be subjected during use toavoid failure and detaching or either the main strap 102 or the exercisestraps 104. In some embodiments, the main buckle 106 is made from ametal material, such as aluminum, including 7075 Aluminum.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pair of exercise straps according toone embodiment of the invention. As shown, the pair of exercise straps1800 are one embodiment of the exercise straps 104 shown in FIG. 1. Inthis embodiment, each exercise strap 1802 is an inelastic strap. Eachexercise strap 1802 includes two separate inelastic straps including anupper strap 1804 and a lower strap 1806 that are attached together usingan exercise strap buckle 1808. It should be appreciated that the lengthof the upper strap 1804, and, therefore, the overall length of theexercise strap 1802, may be adjusted using the exercise strap buckle1808 as described below. Each upper strap 1804 includes one end 1810that includes a loop 1812 for attachment to the main buckle 106 (seeFIG. 1) as described in connection with FIGS. 13-17. Each lower strap1806 also includes an end 1814 opposite or furthest from the upper strap1804 that includes a handle 1816 for engagement or gripping by a userduring exercise. The inelastic exercise straps 1802 may be made from anymaterial sufficient to withstand the force applied to it during use. Inone embodiment, the inelastic exercise straps 1802 are made from a nylonmaterial.

Each handle 1816 includes a handle strap 1818 and a handle grip 1820.The ends of the handle strap 1818 are connected together and connectedto the end 1814 of the lower strap 1806, which may be done, for example,using stitching. The handle grip 1820 is a hollow cylinder having anopening that extends through the middle of the tube that may be madefrom plastic or similar material. The surface of the tube may have arubber or similar coating to facilitate gripping by the user. The handlestrap 1818 passes through the opening in the cylinder. It should beappreciated that the length of the handle strap 1818 may vary toaccommodate use by hands or feet of a user. In one embodiment, thehandle strap has a length sufficient to allow a user to use hands orfeet to engage the handle grip 1820. The handle strap 1818 may be asingle length of material, such as a nylon material, with its endsstitched together to form the loop of material that passes through thehandle grip 1820. In one embodiment, the stitching used to connect theends of the handle strap 1818 to each other can be positioned within theopening of the handle grip 1820.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the exercise strap buckle used withthe exercise straps of FIG. 18 according to one embodiment of theinvention. The buckle 1808 includes a buckle body 1902, which isbasically a relatively flat square or rectangular shape that defines acenter opening 1903 having a rectangular or square shape, and a centerpiece 1904 that is held in the interior or opening defined by the bucklebody 1902. The center piece freely slides along a given pair of opposingsides of the buckle body 1902 but is held within the buckle body 1902 byfour tabs 1906 that extend from the corners of the center piece 1904such that they are disposed outside of the perimeter of the buckle body1902, thus preventing the center piece 1904 from being removed from thebuckle body 1902. The buckle body 1902 and the center piece 1904 may bemade from metal or any other material sufficient to withstand any forceplaced upon them during use.

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the exercise strap buckle 1808attached to the exercise straps according to one embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, the upper strap 1804 is passed from oneside of the buckle body 1902, through the buckle opening 1903 to theother side, around the buckle center piece 1904 and back through thebuckle opening 1903. Accordingly, the upper strap 1804 after passingthrough the buckle 1808 basically doubles back on itself creating asecond upper strap 1804′ that runs parallel to the upper strap 1804. Inthis embodiment, when a force is exerted on the upper strap 1804, thecenter piece 1904 of the buckle 1808 will be pulled against the bucklebody 1902, thereby squeezing the upper strap 1804 within the buckle body1902 and preventing it from freely passing through the buckle body 1902.More particularly, in one embodiment, the center piece 1904 has a smoothrounded side that extends from one side of the buckle body 1902 to theopposite side of the buckle body 1902 and an opposite side that has aplurality of bumps to provide a gripping action against one side of theupper strap 1804 as it passes through the buckle body 1902. In thismanner, when a force is exerted on the upper strap 1804, such as duringexercise, the loop of the upper strap 1804, formed by passing throughthe buckle body and around the center piece 1904, pulls the center piece1904 against the frame of the buckle body 1902 in a direction toward theupper strap 1804, thereby compressing the upper strap 1804 between thecenter piece 1904 and the buckle body 1902. In one embodiment, the faceor side of the center piece 1904 that is against, or in contact with,the upper strap 1804 when a force is applied to the upper strap and itis taunt, contains the plurality of pointed bumps to facilitate itsengagement with the upper strap 1804 and to aid in preventing movementof the upper strap 1804 through the buckle body 1902. In other words,the bumps are designed to engage the material or fabric used in theupper strap 1804 to hold it securely when the upper strap 1804 is beingused or in a taunt position.

The two straps 1804, 1804′ are held against each other using an upperstrap sleeve 1906 that is located on the upper strap 1804 side of thebuckle body 1902. This upper strap sleeve 1906 may be made from anelastic nylon material and may be formed into a sleeve or loop bystitching the ends of the material used to make the upper strap sleeve1906 together, thereby forming an interior opening that through whichboth portions of the strap 1804, 1804′ can slide in either direction.The lower strap 1806 is simply looped around one end of the buckle body1902, which is the end opposite to that where the upper strap 1804passes through the buckle body 1902. The end of the lower strap 1806after looping around one end of the buckle body 1902 is folded back ontoitself and attached to itself, for example, using stitching 1908 (alsoshown in FIG. 18), thereby creating a loop used in attachment of thelower strap 1806 to the buckle body 1902.

A safety strap 1910 is attached at one end to the lower strap 1806 andmay be attached by stitching to the lower strap 1806. In one embodiment,the safety strap 1910 may be attached to the same location where thelower strap 1806 is folded back onto itself and attached using stitching1908. The safety strap 1910 is also attached at an opposite end to theupper strap sleeve 1906. The safety strap 1910 is designed such that anyfailure by the buckle 1808 to hold either the upper strap 1804 or thelower strap 1806, which would otherwise result in the loss of aconnection between these two straps, would be prevented. In such a case,upon failure of the buckle 1808, such that the upper strap 1804 and thelower strap 1806 would no longer be held together, the safety strap 1910would still keep the upper strap 1804 and the lower strap 1806connected. Otherwise, the separation of the upper strap 1804 from thelower strap 1806 could result in the user being surprisingly unbalanced.It should be appreciated that the safety strap 1910 may be made from aninelastic material such that its strength is sufficient to avoid tearingupon the sudden application of force that it may experience. Forexample, if the buckle failed, the user's weight or force being appliedto the lower strap 1806 would suddenly be applied to the safety strap1910. Accordingly, the safety strap 1910 should have sufficientstrength, such as tensile strength, to withstand such forces.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the portionof the exercise strap of FIG. 19B according to one embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 19C illustrates in more detail the connection of thesafety strap 1910 to the upper strap sleeve 1906. As shown, a separateloop of material 1912 is located within the upper strap sleeve 1906.This separate loop of material 1912 may be made from the same inelasticmaterial as the upper strap sleeve 1906. The ends of this separate loopof material 1912 may be sewn together to complete the formation of theloop. In one embodiment, the ends of the separate loop of material 1912may be sewn together at the same location 1914 as where the ends of thematerial used to form the upper strap sleeve 1906 are sewn together. Inaddition, this separate loop of material 1912 may also be attached at asecond location to the inside bottom of the upper strap sleeve 1906using a second set of stitching 1916. It should be appreciated, however,that the upper strap 1804, in particular upper strap 1804′, passesfreely through the center of this separate loop of material 1912 and,accordingly, through the upper strap sleeve 1906, in either direction.In particular, it should be appreciated that both portions of the upperstrap 1804, 1804′ pass freely through the center of this separate loopof material 1912 and, accordingly, through the upper strap sleeve 1906,in either direction, which facilitates the ability to adjust the lengthof the upper strap 1804 using the buckle 1808. In this manner, thesafety strap 1910 is indirectly connected to the upper strap 1804 inthat if the buckle 1808 failed, the loop formed by the lower strap 1806as it passes through the buckle body 1902 would be held by the separateloop of material 1912 within the upper strap sleeve 1906, therebypreventing the separation of the upper strap 1804 from the lower strap1806.

With reference to FIG. 19B, the length of the upper strap 1804 may beadjusted by pulling one portion of the upper strap 1804 through thebuckle. It should be appreciated that one portion of the upper strap1804′ has a terminal end that is simply gathered and held against theother portion of the upper strap 1804 by a sleeve 1822 that encompassesboth portions of the upper strap 1804, 1804′ (see FIG. 18) located awayfrom the buckle 1808 and closer to the end of the upper strap 1804 wherethe loop 1812 for connection to the main buckle 106 is located. Thissleeve 1822 is attached directly to the terminal end of the portion ofthe upper strap 1804′. It should be appreciated, however, that thissleeve 1822 can slide along the upper strap 1804 along with the terminalend of the upper strap 1804′. Accordingly, to lengthen the overalllength of the upper strap 1804, the portion of the upper strap 1804′could be made shorter by pulling this portion of the upper strap 1804′through the buckle body 1902, thereby making the length of the otherportion of the upper strap 1804 longer. In this case, the terminal endof the upper strap 1804′ and the sleeve 1822 would both be locatedcloser to the buckle body 1902. Alternatively, by pulling that portionof the upper strap 1804′ (and the sleeve 1822) away from the buckle body1902, the portion of the upper strap 1804 would become shorter.Accordingly, it should be appreciated that by adjusting the length ofthe upper strap 1804, the overall length of the exercise strap 1802would be adjusted to the user's desired length. It should also beappreciated that the sleeve 1822 prevents either the terminal end 1804′or the end of the upper strap 1804 where the loop 1812 for connection tothe main buckle 106 is located (i.e., the other terminal end of theupper strap 1804) from passing through this sleeve 1822. Accordingly,this sleeve 1822 also indirectly prevents these ends from slidingthrough the upper strap sleeve 1906 in the event of a failure of thebuckle 1808 or the corresponding buckle body 1902.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the exercise straps of FIG. 18 inconjunction with an additional foot hammock according to one embodimentof the invention. In this embodiment, a foot hammock 2002 can beattached to the handle strap 1818 of each of the exercise straps 1802.The foot hammock 2002 includes a foot hammock strap 2004 having two ends2006, each with one part of a corresponding fastener 2008, such as onepart of a hook or a loop fastener or VELCRO fastener. The foot hammockstrap 2004 can be an inelastic material, such as a nylon material. Acompanion or corresponding fastener 2010 is located on each side of eachhandle strap 1818 near the point where the handle strap 1818 is attachedto the end of the lower strap 1806. The foot hammock strap 2004 isattached at each end 2006 to the corresponding fasteners 2010 on thehandle strap 1818. The length of the foot hammock strap 2004 is suchthat it is longer than the length of the handle strap 1818. Accordingly,when taunt, the foot hammock strap 2004 will extend around and below theexisting handle or grip 1820. In this manner, the heel or back of auser's foot can be rested on the foot hammock strap 2004 such that themid-section or arch of the bottom of the user's foot can be restedagainst the grip 1820 for additional support during exercise. A comfortstrap 2012 of a soft material may be attached along a given length ofthe foot hammock strap 2004 on the surface of the foot hammock strap2004 facing inward when attached to the handle strap 1818. This comfortstrap 2012 may provide a soft surface upon which the user's heel or backof the foot would rest during exercise to avoid rubbing or chaffing bythe underlying inelastic material of the foot hammock strap 2004.

In use, the exercise straps described above in connection with FIGS.18-20 would be attached to the main buckle 106 as described above. Themain strap 102, either the main strap 102 described in connection withFIGS. 2-9 or the main strap 1002 described in connection with FIGS.10-12B, would be attached to a fixed or stationary object, therebyproviding an anchor for the exercise system. The exercise straps 1800could then be used by a user for exercise. It should be appreciated thatbecause the exercise straps described above in connection with FIGS. 18and 19A-C are inelastic the use or exercises performed using theseexercise straps generally require that the exercise straps be of equallength and remain taunt during the exercise. In other words, in mostexercises using the inelastic straps, the straps will remain taunt andthe user's body would move relative to the straps. Some exercises thatmay be performed in this manner include a chest press, chest fly, pressup, close grip press up, archer press up, wide row, narrow, single armreach to row, archer row, reverse fly, suspended squat, suspended squatjump, hanging lunge, plyo lunge, hamstring curls, plank, reverse plank,knee tucks, pike, and pendulum crunches.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a pair of exercise straps according toanother embodiment of the invention. As shown, the pair of exercisestraps 2100 are another embodiment of the exercise straps 104 shown inFIG. 1. In contrast to the exercise straps 1800 shown in connection withFIG. 18, the exercise straps 2100 shown in FIG. 21 are elastic strapsthat allow a user to apply a force to the strap by pulling on the strapand extend it against a resistance provided by the material of theelastic strap itself, which then automatically returns to its originallength when the user releases the force applied.

Each elastic exercise strap 2102 has one end 2104 that is configured toattach to the main buckle 106, including the main buckle described inconnection with FIGS. 13-17. In one embodiment, each end 2104 isattached to a connector 2106 to connect to the main buckle 106. In oneembodiment, the connector 2106 includes a loop of material 2106 forconnection to the main buckle 106. This loop of material 2106 may be aninelastic material such as a nylon material. Each elastic exercise strap2102 has another end 2108 at the end of the length of the exercise strap2102 and opposite to the one end 2104 that is configured to attach to ahandle 2110 that is engaged or gripped by a user during exercise to pullon each respective elastic strap 2102.

Each elastic exercise strap 2102 has a fixed length when not beingstretched that is selected based upon a comfortable length for useduring exercising. It should be appreciated, however, that the length ofthe elastic exercise strap 2102 can be made to be any length desired. Asdescribed further below in connection with FIG. 22, each elasticexercise strap 2102 has an elastic inner member 2202 (see FIG. 22A) thatextends the entire length of the elastic exercise strap 2102 and thatcan be reversibly stretched in that it can be pulled and stretched in alongitudinal direction and upon release of the pulling force willautomatically return to its original length. In some embodiments, thisinner member 2202 is a hollow elastic tube that may be a hollow rubbertube; however, it should be appreciated that any elastic longitudinaltube may be used. This inner member 2202, however, is encompassed by anouter cover 2112 that also extends the entire length of the elasticexercise strap 2102 from one end 2104 to the other end 2108. As shown,this outer cover 2112 may be constructed of a cloth material, including,for example, a cotton, canvas, or plastic-based material, such as nylon,and is basically in the shape of a cylinder. This outer cover 2112,however, has a length that is greater than the length of the elasticexercise strap 2102 such that when attached at its ends to the ends2104, 2108 of the elastic exercise strap 2102, the outer cover 2112 isnot taunt and, therefore, provides a multitude of creases or folds 2114along its length and about its diameter. In other words, the outer cover2112 has creases and folds over the entirety of the material from whichit is constructed. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments,the length of the outer cover 2112 is longer than the maximum lengththat the elastic inner member 2202 when stretched to its longest length.It should be appreciated that in use, the outer cover 2112 prevents orminimizes any movement of the cord resulting upon release of any tensionor force put on the elastic exercise strap 2102 by the user. In somesituations, once the user releases an elastic exercise strap, inreturning to its normal position, it may bounce or wave in anuncontrolled manner and may hit or injury the user. Through the use ofthe outer cover 2112, such uncontrolled movement is minimized orprevented, thereby making the use of the elastic exercise straps 2100more safe. As the elastic inner member 2202 is stretched by a user, theouter cover 2112 is also stretched. Because the length of the outercover 2112 is longer than the elastic inner member 2202 it can bestretched to the same length as the elastic inner member 2202 withoutbecoming disconnected from the ends of the elastic exercise strap 2102.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of one end of the exercise straps of FIG.21 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, one end 2104of one of the elastic exercise straps 2102 is shown. The outer cover2112 is shown as covering the elastic inner member 2202 (shown as a tubewith dashed lines). As described above, at the end 2104 of the elasticexercise strap 2102, there is a connector 2106 for connection to themain buckle 106. A connector covering 2204 is used to cover or encompassthe connection between the end 2104 of the elastic exercise strap 2102and the connector 2106 for connection to the main buckle 106. Thisconnector covering 2204 may be any material, including plastic, such asa thin plastic wrap or an inelastic material. The connector covering2204 can be sewn by stitching 2206 to the connector 2106 to secure theconnector covering 2204 in place. It should be appreciated that the endof the outer cover 2112 may extend to this same point such that theouter cover 2112 is secured by the same stitching 2206 (see FIG. 22B).

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the end of the exercise strap of FIG.22 illustrating the connection between the exercise strap and aconnector that connects to the main buckle according to one embodimentof the invention. The connector covering 2204 and the outer cover 2112are both shown by dashed lines. The elastic inner member 2202 asdescribed above may be a hollow tube, such as a hollow rubber tube, thatis elastic and capable of being pulled along its longitudinal axis or inthe direction of its length, in which case its length will be increasedin response to the force pulling on it. Upon the release of that force,the elastic inner member 2202 will return automatically to its originallength. The end 2205 of the elastic inner member 2202 is attached to aring member 2210, such as a metal D-ring, although any type of connectorfor connecting two pieces of material may be used, which, in turn, isattached to the connector 2106 that connects to the main buckle 106. Theend 2205 of the elastic inner member 2202 is attached to the ring member2210 by the use of a slot or opening 2212 in the body of the elasticinner member 2202. Because the elastic inner member 2202 is elastic, itsbody is also deformable. Therefore, the elastic inner member 2202 can befed through and around the ring member 2210 and then fed into the slotor opening 2212 such that the elastic inner member 2202 passes throughthe inside of itself near the end 2205 and out towards the other end ofthe elastic exercise strap 2102. In this configuration, the elasticinner member 2202 is secured to the ring member 2210. An elastic cap2214 (shown by dashed lines), which may be made from the same or similarmaterial as the elastic inner member 2202, can be attached to cover theconnection between the end 2205 of the elastic inner member 2202 whereit is attached to the ring member 2210 to further secure the connectionbetween the elastic inner member 2202 or tube and the ring member 2210.In other words, the elastic cap 2214 may provide a tight fitencompassing the connection between the elastic inner member 2202 andthe ring member 2201 to further ensure that the connection does notweaken or fail. In some embodiments, the elastic cap 2214 may be thesame material as the elastic inner member 2202 and may be a hollowrubber tube that provides a tight friction fit around the end 2205 ofthe elastic inner member 2202 where it is attached to the ring member2210 and may cover a portion or all of the ring member 2210 as well.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one end of the exercise straps of FIG.21 according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown, anotherembodiment for connecting the elastic inner member 2202 includes the useof a cap 2302 (shown by dashed lines) that is tightly fitted around theend of the elastic inner member 2202. This cap 2302 may be the same orsimilar to the elastic cap 2214 as described above in connection withFIG. 22B. In this embodiment, a connector 2304 (shown in dashed lines),which may be a ring connector such as a D-ring connector, is attached tothe elastic cap 2214 at one end and at its other end to the connector2106 that connects to the main buckle 106. A cover cap 2306, similar tothe connector covering 2204 described above in connection with FIG. 22A,is fit over the connections between the elastic inner member 2202 andthe cap 2302, the cap 2302 and the connector 2304, and the connector2304 and the connector 2106 that connects to the main buckle 106. Thiscover cap 2306 may be a cloth or hard plastic material and can beattached by friction fit or sewn or glued in place.

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a connector used to connect a handleto the exercise strap of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment of theinvention. As described above in connection with FIG. 21, the handle2110 that is engage or gripped by the user is connected to the elasticexercise strap 2108. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment,the handle 2110 is loop of material that can be gripped by a user.Either embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 22A/B or FIG. 23may be used to connect the elastic inner member 2202 to a connector 2402that is the similar or same as the connector 2106 that connects to themain buckle 106. In some embodiments, this connector 2402 is a loop madefrom an inelastic material, such as a nylon cloth, which may be the samematerial used for the connector 2106 that connects to the main buckle106. This loop of material 2402 can be formed by connecting the ends ofa length of material that is wrapped around a ring member 2404 (similarto or the same as the ring member 2210 in FIG. 22B or the ring member2304 in FIG. 2304), to each other using stitching 2406. Another lengthof inelastic material or nylon cloth 2408 is then used to wrap aroundthe connector or loop 2402 attached to the elastic inner member 2202 andaround the ends 2410 of the handle 2110. The ends of this length ofinelastic material 2408 are secured to each other using stitching 2412(see FIG. 24B), thereby securing the ends 2410 of the handle 2110 andthe ends of the loop 2402 attached to the elastic inner member 2202.FIG. 24A illustrates this length of inelastic material 2408 prior tobeing wrapped around the ends 2410 of the handle 2110 and the ends ofthe loop 2402 attached to the elastic inner member 2202 and prior tobeing secured by stitching 2412. It should be appreciated that in oneembodiment, the orientation of the length of inelastic material 2408 isperpendicular to the length of loop of material 2402 connected to thering member 2404.

FIG. 24B is another perspective view of the connector of FIG. 24A usedto connect a handle to the exercise strap of FIG. 21 according to oneembodiment of the invention. FIG. 24B is the same as FIG. 24A exceptthat it illustrates this length of inelastic material 2408 after beingwrapped around the ends 2410 of the handle 2110 and the ends of the loop2402 attached to the elastic inner member 2202 and after being securedby stitching 2412.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the handle 2110 ismade from a woven fabric that is soft to the touch, such as micro fiber,cotton, silk, leather, suede, or other soft material. This facilitatesthe grip by the user but also permits a user's skin to contact thehandle 2110 directly without risking chafing or other discomfort to theskin. In some embodiments, a user may subject other parts of the user'sbody, such as a foot, to the handle 2110 as well with the same tactileexperience due to the soft nature of the handle fabric.

FIG. 24C is a perspective view of a handle adjuster for use with theelastic exercise straps of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment of theinvention. With reference to FIG. 21, a handle adjuster 2115 can beattached to each handle 2110. Specifically, the handle adjuster 2115 isa single fixed body 2414 having two adjacent openings 2416, 2418 forpassing the loop of material of the handle 2110 through each opening.Accordingly, the handle adjuster 2115 can slide along the handle 2110,thereby making the opening 2117 of each handle 2110 larger or smaller.For example, a user may desire a tighter grip when gripping or holdingthe fabric forming the handle 2110. In this case, the handle adjuster2115 is positioned closer to the end of the handle and further away fromthe end 2108 of the elastic exercise strap 2102, thereby making theopening 2117 smaller and providing a tighter grip for the user. Thehandle adjuster 2115 can be moved closer to the end 2108 of the elasticexercise strap 2102 to form a larger opening 2117 for receipt of perhapsthe user's foot for exercising. The handle adjuster 2115 can be madefrom any suitable material such as rubber or plastic provided such has arelatively smooth surface on the interior of the openings 2416, 2418 tofacilitate sliding along the material of the handle 2110. It should beappreciated, however, that the openings are sized to provide a frictionfit around the material of the handle 2110 as well such that the handleadjuster 2115 does not easily slip and will remain in place duringexercise after the desired location of the handle adjuster 2115 isselected and the handle adjuster 2115 is positioned at this location.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a pair of handles that can be used withthe elastic exercise straps of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment ofthe invention. A pair of exercise handles 2500 can be attached to theelastic exercise straps described in connection with FIG. 21 for use bya user during exercise. Each exercise handle 2502 includes a handlestrap 2504 and a handle grip 2506. The construction and materials usedfor this exercise handle 2502 may be the similar to or the same as thehandle 1816 associated with the inelastic exercise straps 1800 describedabove in connection with FIG. 18 with respect to the handle strap 1818and the handle grip 1820. The ends of the handle strap 2504 areconnected together thereby forming a loop 2508 at the end of the handlestrap 2504 opposite from the handle grip 2506. This loop 2508 isconnected to a connector 2510, which, in one embodiment, may be acarabiner. In another embodiment, the ends of the handle strap 2504 areconnected to a separate piece of inelastic material that forms the loop2508 around the connector 2510. The ends of the handle strap 2504 andthe ends of this separate piece of inelastic material may be sewntogether at the same location. An inelastic sleeve 2512 may be used tokeep the handle strap 2504 in place near the connector 2510 orcarabiner. In some embodiments, the inelastic sleeve 2512 may bestitched (not shown) to the handle strap 2504 and in some embodiments,this stitching may be used to secure the ends of the handle strap 2504together to form the loop 2508 or the ends of the handle strap 2504along with the ends of the separate piece of inelastic material thatforms the loop 2508 around the connector 2510. With reference to FIG.21, loops 2116 are attached to the end 2108 of each of the elasticstraps 2102. These loops 2116 can be used to attach the exercise handles2500 via the connector 2510, thereby providing the user with a differenttype or style of handle, in this case a solid or fixed handle, comparedto the woven fabric or soft pliable handles 2110, for use duringexercise. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, theoverall length of the exercise handles 2500, or the distance between theend 2108 of the elastic exercise strap 2102 and the handle grip 2506 maybe similar to or the same as the corresponding distance from the end2108 of the elastic exercise strap 2102 to the point along the wovenfabric soft handles 2110 furthest from the end 2108 of the elasticexercise strap 2102, thereby providing a similar distance from theelastic exercise strap 2102 as if the user were using the woven fabricsoft handles 2110. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user would nothave to move the anchor point for the elastic exercise straps 2100 ifswitching handles to exercise comfortably.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a person using the exercise system with theelastic exercise straps of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment of theinvention. This FIG. 26 is similar to that of FIG. 9 as far asconnection of the exercise system to a stationary object, a closed door2601 in this embodiment. However, in this embodiment, a person 2602 isusing the elastic exercise straps 2100 described above in connectionwith FIG. 21. The elastic exercise straps 2100 are shown in a normal,un-extended position 2602 (shown by dashed lines) and, upon use by theuser 2602, in an extended or stretched position 2604. In the latterposition, the user 2602 is shown gripping the handles 2110 and pushingthe handle grips away from the door 2601 (as shown by the arrow drawn bydashed lines), thereby stretching the elastic exercise straps 2100 awayfrom the door 2601. The force required to pull the elastic exercisestraps 2100 away from the stationary object or closed door 2601 is theexercise by the user 2602. Alternatively, the user could be facing thedoor 2601 and pulling the elastic exercise straps 2100 away from thedoor 2601. The user 2602 would then relax and the elastic exercisestraps 2100 would automatically retract in a direction back toward thedoor 2601. Of course, other exercises that take advantage of being ableto extend the elastic exercise straps 2100 can be performed. Forexample, some exercises that can be performed include a split kneelingwood chop, wood chop, palof press, plank should press, straight punchand upper cut, plank walk outs, bird dog, lateral raise, decline press,split kneeling row, Russian twist, bear crawls, split kneeling pulldown,and maximum intensity plank.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another pair of exercise straps withexercise rings for use with the exercise system according to oneembodiment of the invention. The exercise straps 2700 are the same asthe inelastic exercise straps 1800 as described above in connection withFIG. 18. Accordingly, all of the features described above with respectto the inelastic exercise straps 1800 as described above in connectionwith FIG. 18 apply equally to the exercise straps 2700, except withrespect to the handles. In this embodiment, each exercise strap 2702 hasa circular exercise ring 2702, such as a gymnastic ring, which allows auser to perform other types of exercise, instead of the handles 1816 asshown in FIG. 18. The gymnastic rings 2704 are attached to the ends 1814of the lower strap 1806 by using a loop 2706 attached to the end 1814 ofthe lower strap 1806. The loop 2706 may be attached to the end 1814 ofthe lower strap 1806 by any of the connectors described above, such asthose described above in connection with FIGS. 22A, 22B, or 23. In oneembodiment, the exercise ring 2702 is connected to a loop that is twoseparate lengths of inelastic material, each having a corresponding setof hook or loop fasteners or VELCO along its length and that are sewntogether at their ends such that when wrapped around the gymnastic ring2704, the lengths of material can be overlapped and the hook and loopfasteners or VELCO fasteners can be attached to each other, therebyforming a loop around the gymnastic ring 2704. A third length ofinelastic material is also sewn together at its one end with the ends ofthe two separate lengths of inelastic material having the correspondingset of hook or loop fasteners or VELCO. This third length of inelasticmaterial then extends away from the gymnastic ring 2704 and is sewn to aconnector at the end of the exercise straps 2700. This connector can bethe same combination of loops as that shown in FIG. 19C, wherein thethird length of inelastic material is connected to the loops shown inthe same way as the safety strap 1910. In addition, a protective sleevesimilar to that shown in FIG. 28A can be disposed around the loop 2706to minimize any irritating contact with the user's skin. Accordingly,this protective sleeve may be made from a material that is soft to thetouch, such as such as micro fiber, cotton, silk, leather, suede, orother soft material. In some embodiments, the protective sleeve may bepermanently sewn around the loop 2706.

FIG. 28A is a top view of a protective sleeve for use with the exercisesystem of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. Theprotective sleeve 2802 is a rectangular or square flat piece of materialthat can be used to wrap around certain portions of any of the strapsused in the exercise system described herein to avoid irritation betweena user's skin and that portion of the strap. The protective sleeve 2802includes corresponding hook and loop or VELCRO fastener portions 2804,2806. One of the hook and loop fastener portions 2804 is disposed alongone side 2808 of the protective sleeve 2802 on a top surface 2810 of theprotective sleeve 2802. The corresponding hook and loop fastenerportions 2806 is disposed on a bottom surface 2812 along an oppositeside 2814 of the protective sleeve 2802. In use, the protective sleeve2802 can be wrapped around any portion of any strap in the exercisesystem such that the hook and loop fastener portions 2804, 2806 wouldmate and secure the protective sleeve 2808 to the strap. Accordingly, itshould be appreciated that the side of the protective sleeve that facesoutward after attachment to a strap is made of a soft material, such asmicro fiber, cotton, silk, suede, leather, or other soft material thatis soft to a human touch and that would minimize any irritation, burn,or chaffing experienced as a result of the user's skin rubbing againstthe strap at that particular point.

FIG. 28B is a top perspective view of the protective sleeve of FIG. 28Adisposed about an exercise strap according to one embodiment of theinvention. Inelastic exercise strap 1802 is shown with the protectivesleeve 2802 being placed along a portion of the lower exercise strap1806 (i.e., below the strap buckle 1808, see FIG. 18). As shown, theprotective sleeve 2802 is wrapped around the exercise strap 1806, andthe corresponding hook and loop fastener portions 2804, 2806 wouldconnect with each other, thereby securing the protective sleeve to theexercise strap 1806. It should be appreciated that the hook and loopfastener portions 2804, 2806 would be on the interior of the protectivesleeve 2802 and only the soft material on the side of the protectivesleeve facing outward (the bottom side 2812 in this particularembodiment, as shown by the arrow to indicate the underside) would beexposed. Therefore, any contact between the user's skin and this portionof the strap would be against the soft exposed material of theprotective sleeve 2802. It should be appreciated that while theprotective sleeve 2802 is shown in use with the lower strap 1806 of theinelastic straps 1800 of FIG. 18, the protective sleeve 2802 can be usedwith any strap or any portion of the exercise system to minimizeirritation with a user's skin.

FIG. 29A is a top view of a wrist strap for use with the exercise deviceof FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. A wrist strap2902 is shown in an opened flat position. The wrist strap is arectangular flat piece of material that can be formed into a cylindricalpiece of material and connected to an exercise strap of the exercisesystem and used to insert or hold a user's wrist during exercise. Inother words, a user may use the wrist strap 2902 instead of a handle onan exercise strap to exercise. The wrist strap 2902 includes a tab 2903extending from the wrist strap and corresponding hook and loop portions2904, 2906 located respectively on the wrist strap 2902 and on theunderside or bottom side of the tab 2903. The wrist strap also includesa loop of material 2908 that extends outwardly from the wrist strap 2902for connection to the exercise system. It should be appreciated thatthis loop 2908 can be attached to the wrist strap in any manner, such asstitching, that provides a sufficient attachment to withstand the forcesto which it will be subjected during exercise, such as a given user'sweight. It should be appreciated that the bottom side 2910 (i.e., theside opposite the top side 2912 and as shown by the arrow to indicatethe underside) of the wrist strap 2902 can be made from a material thatis soft to a human touch, such micro fiber, cotton, silk, suede,leather, or other soft material, and that would minimize any irritation,burn, or chaffing experienced as a result of contact with the user'swrist during exercise. It should also be appreciated that the user mayuse the wrist strap with the user's foot as well.

FIG. 29B is a perspective view of the wrist strap of FIG. 29A in aclosed position according to one embodiment of the invention. In use,the wrist strap 2902 is formed into a cylinder by mating the hook andloop fastener portions 2904 and 2906 against each other. When the wriststrap 2902 is formed into a cylinder, the hook and loop portion 2906 onthe underside of the tab 2903 can be attached to the corresponding hookand loop portion 2904 on the wrist strap 2902 at the opposite end,thereby bring the two ends of the wrist strap 2902 together in acylinder. It should be appreciated that the two ends of the wrist strap2902 can be overlapped in varying amounts as necessary to provide theappropriate diameter for use of the wrist strap 2902 by the user,provided that there is sufficient overlap of the hook and loop fastenerportions 2904, 2906 to make a secure connection between these ends. Asshown, the bottom side 2910 of the wrist strap 2902 is the internalsurface of the wrist strap 2902 that would be exposed to the user'swrist or foot. Accordingly, the soft material used for this bottom side2910 minimizes or prevents any irritation to the user's skin. The loop2908 can be attached to, for example, a loop 2116 at the end of theelastic exercise strap 2102 as shown in FIG. 21. Accordingly, instead ofusing the handle 2110, a user may exercise using the wrist strap 2902 ora pair of wrist straps 2902. A metal hook or carabiner or otherconnector (see the connector 2510 in FIG. 25 that is used to connect thehandles 2500 to the loop 2116 at the end of the elastic exercise strap2102) may be used to facilitate the connection between the loop 2908 ofthe wrist strap 2902 and the loop 2116 of the elastic exercise strap2102.

FIG. 30A is a perspective front view of a vest for use with the exercisesystem of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. A vest3000 can be worn by a user and can be connected to the exercise systemof FIG. 1 for use in exercising. The vest 3000 has a back panel 3002, apair of shoulder straps 3004, and a waist belt 3006. The shoulder straps3004 are looped over one side of the top 3008 of the back panel 3002 andattached to the back panel 3002 (see FIG. 30B) and at the other oppositeend are attached to a corresponding end 3010, 3012 of the waist belt3006. In use, the user would place the vest around their torso. Theuser's arms would be placed between the back panel 3002 and the shoulderstraps 3004 such that the shoulder straps 3004 would rest on top of theuser's shoulders near the top 3008 of the back panel, which would restagainst the user's back. The shoulder straps are connected to a chestbuckle 3014 that secures the shoulder straps 3004 across the user'schest and can be used to adjust the fit of the vest 3000 around theuser's chest by adjusting the distance between the shoulder straps 3004across the user's chest. The chest buckle 3014 can also be disconnectedto release each of the shoulder straps 3004 from each other at thislocation. The waist belt 3006 also includes a waist buckle 3016 toconnect the two ends 3010, 3012 of the waist belt 3006 around the user'swaist and to tighten or adjust the fit of the waist belt 3006 around theuser's waist. The waist buckle 3016 can also be disconnected to releasethe ends 3010, 3012 of the waist belt 3006 from each other to facilitateremoval of the vest 3000 from the user's torso.

The back panel 3002, the shoulder straps 3004, and the waist belt 3006may be made from any suitable material, including any type of clothmaterial that will withstand the force exerted across the vest duringuse in exercising. The inside 3018 of the back panel 3002, as well asthe inside of the waist belt 3006, may include a material, either aspart of the back panel 3002 itself or as a separate layer of material,that wicks water or perspiration from the user's back during exercise orotherwise acts to ventilate the space between the user's back and theback panel 3002 of the vest 3000. In one embodiment, this material is amesh material. The material used to connect the chest buckle 3014 andthe waist buckle 3016 to the respective portions of the shoulder straps3004 and the ends 3010, 3012 of the waist belt 3006, can similarly beany suitable material, including any type of cloth material that willwithstand the force exerted across the vest during use in exercising,such as an inelastic nylon material. The chest buckle 3014 and the waistbuckle 3016 may be any buckle having the ability to adjust the length ofa strap to which it is connected and having a strength suitable towithstand the force exerted across the vest during use in exercising,including a plastic buckle.

The shoulder straps 3004 may have a protective sleeve 3020 that extendsalong the length or a portion of the length of the shoulder straps 3004to minimize irritation or discomfort when worn. Accordingly, theprotective sleeve 3020 may be made from a soft materials as described inconnection with the protective sleeve 2802 of FIG. 28A. The protectivesleeve 3020 may be a length of material having corresponding hook andloop fasteners or VELCO fasteners along one side of its length or atcertain locations along its length that allows the protective sleeve3020 to be wrapped around the shoulder strap 3002 and secured using thefasteners in a manner similar to the protective sleeve 2802 described inconnection with FIG. 28A. This allows the protective sleeve 3020 to alsobe removed for convenience, such as for cleaning. The protective sleeve3020 may also have padding embedded with the material used for theprotective sleeve 3020, such as foam padding. It should be appreciatedthat in one embodiment, the padding is positioned within the protectivesleeve 3020 such that it extends along the length of the protectivesleeve 3020 on the side that rests directly against a user's shoulders.In one embodiment, the protective sleeve 3020 only extends along thatportion of the length of the shoulder straps 3004 that contacts a user'sshoulder when worn.

The shoulder straps 3004 may also each have a top strap 3022 that isattached to the back of the back panel 3002 (see FIG. 30B) and loopedover the top 3008 of the back panel parallel to the shoulder strap 3004and extends along the entire length of the shoulder straps 3004. Thistop strap 3022 may be similarly made from any suitable material,including any type of cloth material that will withstand the forceexerted across the vest during use in exercising, including an inelasticnylon material. This top strap 3022 may be attached to the shoulderstraps using stitching 3024. In one embodiment, the top strap 3022 isnot attached to the shoulder strap 3004 along a certain length of thetop strap 3022 or shoulder strap 3004, which in one embodiment may bethe length of the top strap 3022 extending from the back panel 3002 to apredetermined location along the length of the shoulder strap 3004, suchas a middle location along the length of the shoulder strap 3004. Inthis case, the top strap 3022 is attached to the shoulder strap 3004only at locations between this predetermined location and the locationwhere the shoulder strap 3004 is attached to the waist belt 3006, suchas by the locations of the stitchings 3024 as shown in FIG. 30A. In thisembodiment, a ring 3026, such as a metal ring, may be disposed about thetop strap 3022 and free to slide along the portion of the top strap 3022that is not attached to the shoulder strap 3004. In addition, the topstrap 3022 may have a length that is longer than the shoulder strap 3004such that when stitched to the shoulder strap 3004, one or more loops3028 can be created. The ring 3026 and the loop 3028 can be used toconnect the vest to the exercise system as described further below. Itshould be appreciated that the top strap 3022 can extend along theentire length of the shoulder strap 3004 and be attached, with theshoulder strap 3004, to the waist belt 3006.

The waist belt 3006 may similarly have a top strap 3030 that extendsalong the length of the waist belt 3006. Also, similarly, the length ofthe top strap 3030 may be stitched at various locations to provide aloop between the top strap 3030 and the waist belt 3006. Rings 3032,such as metal rings, may be similarly attached to these loops for use inconnecting the vest to the exercise system as described further below.

FIG. 30B is a perspective rear view of the vest of FIG. 30A for use withthe exercise system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of theinvention. The back panel 3002 is used to secure the shoulder straps3004 to the vest 3000. The shoulder straps 3004 extend across the backof the back panel from one side of the top side 3008 of the vest 3000diagonally across the back panel 3002, such that they crisscross atapproximately the middle of the back panel 3002, and are attached attheir respective ends to the opposite side of the bottom 3034 of theback panel 3002. The shoulder straps 3004 are stitched to the back panel3002 using stitchings 3036 along the entire perimeter of the shoulderstraps 3004 that are adjacent to the back panel 3002. The top straps3022 extend along the entire length of the shoulder straps 3002 and maysimilarly be attached to the shoulder straps 3004 using stitchings 3038,which may be done at various locations along the top straps 3022.Accordingly, the top straps 3022 also crisscross at approximately thecenter of the back panel 3002. At this location, the top straps 3022 arestitched to allow for the formation of a pair of loops 3040 between thetop strap 3022 and the corresponding shoulder strap 3004. As shown, oneof these loops 3040 is inherently underneath the other loop 3040. Inaddition, a loop 3042 is attached to the top strap 3030 and the waistbelt 3006 at approximately the center of the length of the waist belt3006 in the back of the vest 3000. A ring 3044, such as a metal ring,may be attached to this loop. As discussed below, these loops 3040 andthe ring 3044 may also be used to connect the vest 3000 to the exercisesystem.

Generally, it should be appreciated that the various loops 3028 andrings 3026, 3032, 3044 can be attached as desired by a user to theexercise system. In one embodiment, the loops 3028 or rings 3026, 3032,3044 can be attached to the loops 2116 on the elastic exercise straps2100 as described in connection with FIG. 21. In this manner, the usermay connect each side of the vest 3000 using corresponding loops 3028 orrings 3026, 3032, 3044 to one of the elastic exercise straps 2102 forexercising. With respect to the connection of the loops 3028 to theloops 2116 on the elastic exercise straps 2100, a separate metal hook orcarabiner or other connector (see the connector 2510 in FIG. 25 that isused to connect the handles 2500 to the loop 2116 at the end of theelastic exercise strap 2102) may be used to facilitate this connection.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described above. However,it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments are possible andthat the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments describedabove. For example, stitching is used in various embodiments to attachvarious components to each other. It should be appreciated thatalternative methods of attaching the types of materials used in theexercise system may be used such as gluing or fusing the materialtogether, provided that such provides a sufficiently strong connectionto withstand the force exerted on that connection during use orexercise. Additional, many materials may be used for the variouscomponents of the system, including the various elastic and inelasticmaterials, provided that such have the necessary strength, such astensile strength, to withstand the force exerted on that connectionduring use or exercise. For example, various cloth or cloth-typematerials may be used, including cotton, canvas, or plastic-based ornylon materials. In addition, various components of the exercise system,including the main buckle, as well as other buckles and carabiners, canbe made from a variety of materials, including a variety of metals,provided such have sufficient strength to withstand forces applied tothem during use. In some embodiments, these metal components may be madefrom aluminum, such as 7075 Aluminum. Further, while various exerciseshave been noted, it should be appreciated that a user may use theexercise system for a wide variety of exercises, particularly inconjunction with the variety of optional equipment that can be attachedto the exercise system for use. Accordingly, it should be appreciatedthat other optional equipment may also be designed for attachment to thevarious parts of the exercise system.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise system, comprising: a main straphaving a length, a first end configured for attachment to a stationaryobject, and an opposite second end configured to attachment to a firstlocation along the length of said main strap, thereby forming a loopupon attachment to said first location; a buckle attached to said loopof said main strap and defining two separate openings; a pair ofexercise straps, each having a first end configured for attachment toone of said two separate openings of said buckle and a second endopposite said first end; and a pair of handles, each attached to one ofsaid second ends of said exercise straps.
 2. The exercise system ofclaim 1, wherein said buckle is configured to freely slide along saidmain strap within said loop.
 3. The exercise system of claim 1, whereinsaid buckle comprises a pair of latches, wherein each of said latchesforms a portion of a perimeter wall defining a portion of each of saidtwo separate openings defined by said buckle, respectively, and whereineach of said latches opens and closes, thereby providing a perimeterwall opening to each of said two separate openings, respectively.
 4. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein said first end of said main strapcomprises a loop, and further comprising: a body configured to attach tosaid loop, said body having a center cylindrical portion having a pairof opposite ends and a pair of cylindrical bodies, each attached to oneof said opposite ends of said center cylindrical portion, wherein saidcylindrical bodies have a diameter larger than a diameter of said centercylindrical portion and a length less than a length of said centercylindrical portion; and a pair of non-slip pads disposed around anoutside surface of each of the cylindrical bodies.
 5. The exercisesystem of claim 4, wherein at least one of said cylindrical bodies isconfigured to be reversibly attached and detached from one of saidopposite ends of said center cylindrical portion.
 6. The exercise systemof claim 1, wherein said pair of exercise straps comprises a pair ofinelastic exercise straps, wherein a length of each of said inelasticexercise straps is adjustable.
 7. The exercise system of claim 6,wherein each of said exercise straps comprises a first strap, a secondstrap, a buckle for connecting said first strap and said second strapand for adjusting the length of said first strap, and a sleeve disposedalong said first strap and through which said first strap passes, andfurther comprising: a pair of safety straps, each having a first endattached to said second strap and a second end opposite said first endattached to said sleeve.
 8. The exercise system of claim 6, furthercomprising: a pair of straps, each having a length and two endsconfigured to mate to a corresponding one of said second end of saidexercise straps, thereby forming a loop at each of said second ends ofsaid exercise straps, wherein said length is sufficient to hold a user'sfoot.
 9. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein said pair of exercisestraps comprises a pair of elastic exercise straps.
 10. The exercisesystem of claim 1, wherein said pair of elastic exercise straps eachcomprises a loop at said second end of said exercise strap forattachment of a second pair of handles.
 11. An exercise system,comprising: a main strap having a length and a first end configured forattachment to a first location along the length of said first strap,thereby forming a loop sufficient to encompass a stationary object uponattachment to said first location, and a second end opposite said firstend; a buckle attached to said second end of said main strap and havingtwo separate openings; a pair of exercise straps, each having a firstend configured for attachment to one of said two separate openings ofsaid buckle and a second end opposite said first end; and a pair ofhandles, each attached to one of said second ends of said exercisestraps.
 12. The exercise system of claim 11, further comprising: ananchor for attachment to a stationary object and for attachment to saidloop.
 13. The exercise system of claim 11, wherein said buckle comprisesa pair of latches, wherein each of said latches forms a portion of aperimeter wall defining a portion of each of said two separate openingsdefined by said buckle, respectively, and wherein each of said latchesopens and closes, thereby providing a perimeter wall opening to each ofsaid two separate openings, respectively.
 14. The exercise system ofclaim 11, wherein said first end of said main strap comprises a loop,and further comprising: a body configured to attach to said loop, saidbody having a center cylindrical portion having a pair of opposite endsand a pair of cylindrical bodies, each attached to one of said oppositeends of said center cylindrical portion, wherein said cylindrical bodieshave a diameter larger than a diameter of said center cylindricalportion and a length less than a length of said center cylindricalportion; and a pair of non-slip pads disposed around an outside surfaceof each of the cylindrical bodies.
 15. The exercise system of claim 14,wherein at least one of said cylindrical bodies is configured to bereversibly attached and detached from one of said opposite ends of saidcenter cylindrical portion.
 16. The exercise system of claim 11, whereinsaid pair of exercise straps comprises a pair of inelastic exercisestraps, wherein a length of each of said inelastic exercise straps isadjustable.
 17. The exercise system of claim 16, wherein each of saidexercise straps comprises a first strap, a second strap, a buckle forconnecting said first strap and said second strap and for adjusting thelength of said first strap, and a sleeve disposed along said first strapand through which said first strap passes, and further comprising: apair of safety straps, each having a first end attached to said secondstrap and a second end opposite said first end attached to said sleeve.18. The exercise system of claim 16, further comprising: a pair ofstraps, each having a length and two ends configured to mate to acorresponding one of said second end of said exercise straps, therebyforming a loop at each of said second ends of said exercise straps,wherein said length is sufficient to hold a user's foot.
 19. Theexercise system of claim 11, wherein said pair of exercise strapscomprises a pair of elastic exercise straps.
 20. The exercise system ofclaim 11, wherein said pair of elastic exercise straps each comprises aloop at said second end of said exercise strap for attachment of asecond pair of handles.